Pizzeria Mozza: Listen to Flavor Flav & Don't-Don't-Don't Believe the Hype!! (Sorta)

(fennel sausage pizza image courtesy of rick p. http://speedm.yelp.com)

i can't believe i did it but i finally ventured out to see about the hype.

seating:
i couldn't get in on a last-minute reservation cancellation so we waited at 6:45p on a Wednesday night for two spots at the bar. we got in after a 20min wait or so.

service:
winebar guy in the corner was friendly. very responsive with refilling my water glass (for i am quite the thirsty diner). did some friendly and appropriate verbal sparring w/ me when i asked smarta*s questions about the menu. all-in-all. okay.

ambiance:
crowded. even the tables looked crowded. rather small space. i wonder how much more money they could be making right now if they had just 30% more table area. hmmmm..... overall really simple. casual clean decor.

food:
okay. here we go. overall, i think there are certain items that we tried which were a bit overpriced or not worth the cost. i proceed...

* roasted spears (4) of asparagus coated w/ finely grated parmesan, with ample buttery slices of quality prosciutto and drizzled w/ olive oil. - 8 dollars---this was divine. i'd say hearty enough to merit the price.
* tricolore salad, well-coated in grated parmesan and complex anchovy based dressing - 14 dollars!!!!! delicious...but TOO expensive, even for the ample portion!
* fennel-sausage pizza - 14 dollars---MEH. Salty sausages...though still tasty. otherwise the toppings were unremarkable...couldn't really taste the other ones. the crust was pretty nice. most food bloggers have already covered this finer point. i get it. nancy does bread and she does it well. let's move on.
* prosciutto pizza - 15 dollars---Also MEH. plenty of prosciutto covering the pizza but i couldn't taste really any of the other toppings. i think we were on prosciutto overkill after being satiated by the asparagus appetizer
* butterscotch budino for dessert - 8 dollars. too sweet...and salty

total bill without tip = $63.87 (for two young ladies eating everything but half of each 10inch pizza

overhyped for sure. good joint but for the hype and price of some of the food, it's a little TOO much drama to get in for me. worth the wait to beat the crowd if you got a first date that requires some action around you to keep the conversation interesting. next time, i'll just get a pizza (the price is okay for what you get) and the asparagus/prosciutto appetizer.

641 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 297-0101
www.mozza-la.com

Patisserie Chantilly's Black Sesame Cream Puffs

(image courtesy of richard s. http://rrrichard.yelp.com)

chantilly is to beard papa's as filet mignon is to a good restaurant burger. when i have that meat craving, i can definitely squash it with a good burger and not break the bank. but when i want to make the investment, i'll get the filet.

it's the same with the cream puff. i'll trek out to chantilly for their black sesame seed cream puff when i have the deeper longing for buttery cream goodness. the sheer cost of the one puff (around 3-4 bucks) might make the most frugal dessert seeker cringe, but you'll get your money's worth in terms of flavor and pure butterfat creaminess. eating the chantilly black sesame puff gave me warm food memories of eating hot, comforting and sweet black sesame soup in taiwan. you really need to like the flavor of smoky black sesame to desire it in an all-taste-bud-encompassing bite of the cream puff.

chantilly, you have a special place in my heart. you'll mess up my diet, but i won't be indulging in you too much so i think i'm okay.

beard papa, don't you worry your cute bearded little head. i'll still shell out two bucks for your efficiently produced, chocolate eclair goodness.

2383 Lomita Blvd #10
Lomita, CA 90717

(310) 257-9454
www.patisseriechantilly.com